PRESS RELEASE

Monday, 24 May 2010, Kingston, Jamaica

Tragic Deaths of Two Policemen

Jamaicans For Justice (JFJ) is deeply disturbed and saddened by the tragic deaths of two policemen and the shooting of six of their colleagues yesterday May 23, 2010. These deaths were reported to have occurred during the course of attempts to protect citizens on Mountain View. Our deepest sympathies are extended to the families and colleagues of those law officers killed in the service of their country.

The lawlessness displayed in some areas and by some persons since the announcement that the extradition request for Christopher ‘Dudus’ Coke would be signed are utterly deplorable and cannot be tolerated in a free and democratic society. They have resulted in severe breaches of the rights of other citizens and been an assault on the rule of law.    These lawless activities have culminated in the brazen assault on police and police stations in sections of the corporate area and severe disruption of the lives of many thousands of persons.  This cannot be permitted to continue. 

The limited State of Emergency declared appears to have been necessary to support the restoration of order but must be supported by the required regulations spelling out the limits of the emergency powers and the area of its application.  It must also be removed as soon as the situation is under control. 

The professionalism and restraint displayed thus far by the Jamaica Constabulary Force is extremely commendable.  It is also heartening for the signal it sends of a new, higher level of Policing practice under the leadership of Commissioner Owen Ellington.  JFJ hopes that the JCF can bring the situation under control in short order and with minimal further loss of life and injury.

JFJ also hopes that this can be the start of a new and better day for policing and the rule of law in Jamaica.  For it to be so is going to require that all well-thinking, law abiding Jamaicans participate fully in the process of breaking the linkages between crime and politics and removing the tentacles of organized crime from all the crevices that they have invaded across the society. We must ensure that we distance ourselves from crime and disorder and force our leaders to do likewise.  Thus we will ensure better governance and begin to build a better country for our children and grandchildren. 

All Jamaica and every Jamaican must ensure and show that our enduring support and loyalty is to the rule of law and for those who bravely risk and give their lives in its defence.

Contact

Carolyn Gomes @ 382-8583

David Wong Ken  @ 832-4873

Susan Goffe @815-3648